Please scroll to the bottom of the page for details on The Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg Clinical Case Award by HEEL
HOMOTOXICOLOGY
Dr. Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg, MD, Allopath, Homoeopath, Naturopath (1905-1985) created, in 1952, The Integrated Bio-Regulatory Medical System of Homotoxicology, which is the bridge between classical homeopathy and conventional medicine. Reckeweg developed a staging system of illness and healing processes. He described how both illness and healing progress logically, eliciting symptoms and regulatory reactions in the body.
Homotoxicology is based on the principle that diseases are caused by homotoxins. According to Dr. Reckeweg, illnesses are agent-determined reactive processes in which homotoxins can cause the body to react with inflammation. He described a homotoxin as “any substance that creates a direct or indirect toxic burden in the human organism.” The target structure of the homotoxin is the extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix or space acts as a molecular sieve between the capillary system, the lymph vessels, and the cells which are to be supplied with nutrients or have their waste removed. All substances and information reaching a cell are filtered through the molecular sieve of the extracellular matrix (ground substance). The sieve can become clogged, but can be restored to functionality through appropriate detoxification measures.
Dr. Reckeweg expanded what he termed homotoxicology into a medical theory with many innovative aspects. According to Reckeweg, "Diseases are the expression of biologically purposeful defense mechanisms against endogenous and exogenous homotoxins or the expression of the organism’s effort to compensate for toxic damage it has sustained."
Homotoxicology represents a unique synthesis of healing disciplines designed to strengthen the organs of detoxification and excretion, to remove the toxins accumulated in the extracellular matrix, to stimulate and modulate the immune system, and to regulate the whole by rebalancing the diseased body system. The methodology of homotoxicology differs from that of conventional medicine in that illness is viewed as much more than the mere presence of clinical symptoms. Homotoxicological therapy approaches the patient as a whole. It attempts to detoxify the body, to correct derailed immunological processes through immunomodulation, and to support cells and organs. Illness indicates that the body is trying to eliminate something that is toxic to it, and that the process of elimination will probably appear as disease if the goal is not reached easily. This concept is rather contrary to Western medical thought. The understanding of homotoxicology, coupled with the application of homeopathy, work to enhance the healing processes by removing toxicity, not by masking it. More often than not, allopathic drugs are designed to relieve symptoms rather than relieve the toxic burden that caused the symptoms. Even antibiotics, undeniably useful, but subjected to over-use, do not attack the original toxin, but the biological result of the toxicity.
According to Reckeweg, homotoxins are divided into two groups: exogenous and endogenous. Exogenous homotoxins are substances that originate outside the body, in the environment, and have a direct or indirect toxic effect on tissues, organs or regulation mechanisms. Endogenous homotoxins are created by the body itself. These are mostly metabolic intermediary or end products such as acids and free radicals. These toxic substances that accumulate in the body become a burden when we can’t eliminate them through normal physiological processes.
In his treatises on homotoxicology, Reckeweg elaborated on this idea. Reckeweg's six-phase table describes the body’s reaction against homotoxins in six mechanistic defense phases. These phases are arranged into two categories: humoral and cellular, and are divided from each other by what is referred to as the “biological division.” Reckeweg described “progressive vicariation” of illnesses (deterioration, or disease progression) and “regressive vicariation" (healing). The following describes each phase of reaction to homotoxins and appropriate therapeutic strategies for regressive vicariation.
PHASES OF HOMOTOXICOSIS
Though homotoxicology as described by Reckeweg pertains to homotoxins and their physiological effects on organ and cellular structure and function, it is equally important to view and address each phase within the mind-body paradigm and understand and address the underlying psychoemotional causes of disease.
The Greater Defense System
Reckeweg also described the Greater Defense System of the body that consists of six subsystems working together to eliminate toxins from the body and to restore tissue damage. Detoxification and drainage as well as immunomodulation are the main pillars in bioregulatory treatment and certainly in antihomotoxic treatment.
The Six Subsystems of the Greater Defense System are:
1. The reticuloendothelial system
2. The hypothalamus–hypophysis–suprarenal axis
3. The neural reflex system
4. Detoxification by the liver
5. Detoxification of the matrix
6. The mucous membranes
These systems all merge into each other and have a synergetic effect, working together to defend the body and maintain homeostasis.
BRMI Advisor Dr. Stephen Cabral discussing Homotoxicology on his free, daily podcast, The Cabral Concept.
Phases of Homotoxicosis as Described by Reckeweg
In the 6-Phase Table there are 3 general Phases: Humoral, Matrix and Cellular
a) The Humoral Phases – associated with diseases of disposition
1) Excretion Phase - In the Excretion Phase numerous bodily detoxification mechanisms are operating normally, since they have not been repressed by any endogenous or exogenous homotoxins. In this phase, toxins do not interfere with the epithelial cells of the mucus membranes but are inglobated and eliminated with the physiological secretions themselves. Expulsion of toxins occurs normally through the physiological orifices. Acute vomiting or diarrhea usually only requires fluid and electrolyte replacement.
2) Reaction or Inflammation Phase – In the Reaction Phase the body expels the toxins that have entered it, usually by fever, diarrhea, and inflammation. In this phase, defense mechanisms are active, which may lead to symptoms. Symptoms, though annoying, become valuable signs that the organism is attempting to regulate towards recovery. It is rarely necessary or useful to suppress fevers and acute inflammations with allopathic drugs, such as the NSAIDS or anti-febrile medications. The use of anti-pyretic, anti-tussive, anti-diarrhea, anti-etc. drugs can lead to progressive vicariation and into a more advanced phase.
b) The Matrix Phases
3) Deposition Phase - In the Deposition Phase, the body’s defense processes cannot manage to completely expel the toxins, which then are deposited into the connective tissue (mesenchyme), adipose tissue and throughout the vascular system. Cellular metabolic functions need stimulation for recovery and help in the release and gradual expulsion of toxin deposits.
Generally, within the first three humoral phases, the appropriate therapy can lead to true recovery, because the biochemical mechanisms of the cell are still not damaged. However, from this phase to the Impregnation Phase the organism does not have an efficient biological defense and withdraws energy away from detoxification to conserve energy for the vital organs.
4) Impregnation - In this phase across the “biological division” or from the humoral phases into the cellular phases, there is the initial penetration of cells by toxins. These toxins interfere with enzymatic functions of the cell, and damage all-important cellular membranes. In the Impregnation Phase a “loco minoris restistentiae” exist. That being, there is usually a serious inflammatory illness (chronic inflammation) existing in “biologically less important tissue” (connective tissue) that leaves damaging after-effects. Toxins collect around organ parenchyma. The tissue then reacts to the toxins with inflammation and attempts to isolate them in the fibers of the connective tissue. This ultimately results in damage to the organ itself. If the accumulation of toxins progresses and no detoxification phase is put into action, the connective tissue reaction and accumulation of toxins accelerates until it degenerates the organ structures. That is why the allopathic strategy of passively waiting, or the administration of NSAIDS and cortisone, that suppresses the reaction to toxins, often fails. This type of “anti” therapy usually suppresses regulatory detoxification, may alter the permeability of the protective bowel barrier causing more antigenic load, and ultimately only move toxins around.
c) The Cellular Phases
5) Degeneration Phase – In this phase, both organ structure and function is increasingly and irreversibly being damaged. There is a continued degenerative alteration of the cellular membranes, enzymes and in the genetic and organic structures of the cells. Toxin accumulation continues, which adds to the chronic inflammatory response. Toxins impregnate at a glandular level and especially thalamic level causing hormonal imbalances and reduced immunomodulating ability. Eventually the inflammatory defenses and cellular defenses are suppressed, causing a proliferation of anomalous cells of several organs and tissues. Improvement is possible, but full restoration and recovery of the organ function may no longer be possible, even with biologically orientated approaches such as anti-homotoxic and regenerative therapy. Through the support of cell functions, therapy is aimed at healing defects and improving regulation.
6) Neoplasm Phase - Within the neoplasmatic phase, genetic material and cellular respiratory mechanisms are severely damaged. Oxidative free radicals foster further organ dysfunction and tissue degeneration. Cellular processes no longer oxidative become fermentative, causing aberrant cellular growth and alteration of the cellular genetic set. Aberrant cells are released into the general circulation. Generally the organism has severely reduced its reactive regulatory abilities. Essentially, this phase is the final consequence of the organism’s failure to control the accumulation of exogenous toxins. Sometimes the neoplasms follow a period of relative wellbeing and may come as a surprise to the individual. Generally, anti-homotoxic therapy, through its promotion of regressive vicariation, provides cancer patients with their best opportunity of restoring health.
The Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg Clinical Case Award
The Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg Clinical Case Award is bestowed for case reporting excellence in recognition of the importance of advancing real-world clinical research. The award is comprised of a main prize of €10,000, and a runner-up prize of €5,000. With these prizes, Heel encourages clinical researchers to publish their case reports in the open domain (e.g. in a peer-review medical journal or a scientific clinical community-owned webpage). The prizes are awarded once a year in Baden-Baden, Germany.
For more information - https://clinicalcasereporting.com/award/
Winners of the Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg Awards
1995
Ryszard Matusiewicz, Poland: Efficacy of Engystol N in bronchial asthma cases under corticosteroid-dependent therapy.
Ryszard Matusiewicz, Poland: The use of Traumeel S in corticosteroid-dependent bronchial asthma.
1996
Karl-Heinz Ricken, Germany: Antihomotoxic treatment of functional dyspepsia and Helicobacter pylori gastritis.
Alessandro Orlandini, Mauro Rossi, Massimo Setti, Italy: Efficacy of Zeel and new research methods in rheumatology.
1997
Heinrich Enbergs, Germany: Proof of the immunostimulant effects of suis organ preparations and Traumeel on phagocyte and lymphocyte activity.
Emilia Torbicka, Aleksandra Brzozowska-Binda, Jan Wilczynski, Aldona Uzarowicz, Poland: Treatment of children with respiratory syncytial virus with the homeopathic antihomotoxic medication Engystol.
Menachem Oberbaum, Israel: Efficacy of Traumeel ampoule solution in chemotherapy-induced stomatitis in children.
1998
Josette Osario Díaz, Fernando Fajardo Marino, Colombia: Proof that Traumeel prevents adverse effects of root canal treatment.
1999
Angelika-Regine Dietz, Germany: Prospective study of lymphatic therapy (as a matrix therapy) in diabetic polyneuropathy in Type II diabetes.
2000
Bernadette Glatthaar-Saalmüller, Germany: Antiviral effect of Euphorbium compositum Nasal Spray in vitro.
2001
Olga Yuryevna Maiko, Russia: Efficacy of Zeel in clinical treatment of gonarthrosis.
Ignacio Ordiz, Jorge Egocheaga, Miguel del Valle, Spain: Anti-homotoxic mesotherapy of soft-tissue sports injuries.
2003
Besik Kukurievich Shamugiya, Ukraine: The prospects of application of antihomotoxic medications in the treatment of acute and chronic viral hepatitis.
2004
Heinrich Enbergs, Germany: Effects of the homeopathic preparation Engystol on Interferon-gamma production by human T-lymphocytes.*
Fani Martinova, Bulgaria: Immunoprophylaxis of influenza and other viral infections of the respiratory tract with Engystol tablets.
Antonello Arrighi, Italy: Seasonal allergic rhinitis: homotoxicology vs allopathy to prevention and therapy.
2005
Natalya Petrovna Tolokonskaya, Dmitriy Alexeyevich Chabanov, Russia: Reactivity of an organism and efficacy of antihomotoxic therapy in chronic opisthorchiasis.*
Andrey Babko, Sergey Gerasymenko, Tamara Perfilova, Ukraine: Effect of Traumeel S on collagen metabolism in patients suffering from early stages of rheumatoid arthritis.
Achilleas Pistofidis, Iohannis Toliopoulos, Greece: Stimulation of NK cells against cancer cells by administration of Coenzyme compositum, Glyoxal compositum, biocatalysts and Traumeel S.
2006
Sonia Patricia Gaitán Juárez de Cuyún, Guatemala: Comparative study of Echinacea compositum in newborns at minimum to moderate risk for sepsis.*
Isabel Forner Cordero, Raquel Navarro Monsoliu, José Muñoz Langa, Spain: Lymphomyosot in the maintenance treatment of post-mastectomy lymphedema.
2007
Sergey Rykov, Natalia Starynets, Denys Varyvonchyk, Ukraine: Efficacy of Oculoheel in patients with HIV-infection/AIDS who are on antiretroviral therapy – a clinical controlled study.*
Edgar Estrada Serrato, Colombia: Evaluation of the usefulness ofthe homeopathic treatment in patients with arthrosis of the knee.
2008
Marco Fidel Ramírez Cabrera, Gilma Ester Garrido de Ramírez, Santiago Herrán, Natalia Roa, Colombia: The effectiveness and safety of Traumeel S in the epithelialization of the cornea in patients who underwent refractive surgery for myopia.*
Gastón Orellana Alvarellos, Paola Ruiz de Viñaspre Alvear, Chile: Clinical evaluation of biopuncture in the treatment of pain syndrome in patients treated for breast cancer.
2009
Laura Ots Navarro, Spain: The efficacy of Traumeel® and Lymphomyosot® in the treatment of the acute ankle sprain.
2010
Dr. Hernán Silván García, Spain: Use of a bioregulatory medication for inflammation to treat piriformis syndrome in long distance runners.*
Dr. Oxana Yu. Kirgizova, Russia: Effectiveness of antihomotoxic medications injected into acupuncturepoints in patients with hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis dysfunction.
2011
Dr. Juozas Zilinskas, Lithuania: The oxidative function of neutrophils and the reduction properties of blood in patients with periodontitis.*
Dr. Alexander Glotov, Prof. Tatyana I. Glotova, Dr. Alexey Nefed-chenco, Russia: The antiviral action of Engystol, Euphorbium Compositum S, Echinacea Compositum SN in vitro and in vivo in a veterinary setting.
2014
Dr. Hugo José Zuleta Angulo: Bioregulatory Medicine through the Biopuncture: an excellent alternative for improving the functionality and life quality in patients with severe mixed chronic pain secondary to Failed Back Surgery Syndrome and with adverse effects to the chronic use of conventional medicines.
2015
Dr. Sergio Andrés Laasch Arbeláez: Spinal cord injury by a sharp bladed weapon: Clinical recovery, with Bioregulatory Medicine, of a patient with areflexic paraplegia and loss of sphincter control. *
Dr. Hernán Villalón: Case Report: Successful treatment of Multisystemic MALT involvement in non-infectious inflammatory disease in children.
2016
Dr. Tina Decorte: Case report of a traumatic rupture of the adductor muscle in a marathon runner: alternative treatment options with bioregulatory therapy.
Dr. Liliana Consuegra Bazzani: Tissue repair in facial post-traumatic injury in a patient with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa under the bioregulatory systems medicine approach - clinical case.
2017
Tamar Mosulishvili and Nataliia Sydorova: Case-report of effective treatment of acute unilateral undifferentiated tinnitus with a bioregulatory medicine preparation.
Nora Álvarez Upegui: Therapeutic Success of Bioregulatory Systems Medicine in Varicose Ulcer. Multiple conventional treatments without clinical improvement.
2018
Juan Carlos Builes Rodríguez: Revascularization and Repair of Penile Mucosa with Vascular and Tissue Compromise of Canine Penis.
Andrea Valero Carvajal: Acne Management With Bioregulatory Medicine: A Clinical Approach From Detoxification And Drainage.
* Main Awards (since 2003)
● Incentive Awards (since 2003)
■ Special Award